The minimum age to consume alcohol at all private destinations remains twenty-one (21) without regard to where the sailing originated.

The drinking age on Explorer of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean ship, depends entirely on where the ship is sailing. For cruises departing from North America (including those sailing to the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Bermuda), the minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages is 21. This policy applies even when the ship is in international waters or visiting ports where the local age might be lower. However, for sailings that originate in Europe, South America, Asia, or Australia, the minimum drinking age is typically 18. There is a specific "parental exception" that sometimes applies on international itineraries where a parent or guardian can sign a waiver allowing 18-to-20-year-olds to drink beer or wine, but this is increasingly rare and not applicable on U.S.-based sailings. In 2026, Royal Caribbean uses the "SeaPass" card to strictly enforce these rules; when you tap your card at a bar, the system automatically alerts the bartender if you are underage. If you are 18 and sailing in the Mediterranean, you are likely in the clear to order a drink, but if you are 18 and sailing out of Miami or Cape Liberty, you will have to stick to mocktails and sodas.